Graduate Supervision Resources: Your Guide to Canadian Downloadable and Linked Resources for Graduat

Created by Tracy Bhoola and Stacia Heaton

Welcome

Welcome to Graduate Supervision Resources: Your Guide to Canadian Downloadable and Linked Resources for Graduate Supervision . Graduate supervision is an intentional, responsive and reflective pedagogical practice that aims to support graduate students’ scholarly, creative and research work. It involves efforts by students, supervisors, committee members, graduate programs, and Faculties.

We have recognized there is a need for everyone in graduate studies to know about and share resources with each other, so we have consulted, collected and organized the resources into a straightforward format. This flipbook was created as a practical, user-friendly resource to support graduate supervisors, students, supervisory committees, departments, and institutions in fostering successful graduate supervision. Whether you are new to graduate supervision or an experienced faculty member seeking to refine your approach, this guide offers curated materials so you can build on existing work that reflects best practices and evolving expectations in graduate supervision across Ontario and Canada that align with the Principles for Graduate Supervision at Ontario Universities

Each section includes downloadable PDFs and links to toolkits, guidelines, and evidencebased resources, available and accessible at the time of publication, that you can use directly in your supervisory work or share within your program or department. Organized by key themes in supervision aligned with the Principles, the flipbook is designed for ease of navigation and ongoing reference. By sharing and circulating these resources, we aim to build a culture of mutual learning, collegiality, and continuous improvement in graduate education and supervision. We invite you to explore, download, adapt, and share these materials as part of your own commitment to fostering respectful, inclusive, and effective supervisory relationships.

We encourage you to add to this growing community by sharing open-access resources and practical tools from your own supervisory experience. Your contributions help strengthen our collective efforts to support inclusive, ethical, and effective supervision practices across institutions.

TracyandStacia

Tracy Bhoola, MEd, BSW

York University Faculty of Graduate Studies Manager of the Graduate Supervision Support Hub

Stacia Heaton, MEd, OCT Brock University Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Manager of Graduate Student Success

Principles for Graduate Supervision at Ontario Universities

High quality academic supervision is a key driver of graduate research-based education and is central to ensuring a positive and successful graduate student experience. Respectful and productive relationships between supervisors and graduate students promote a thriving university research culture where students are supported to make meaningful contributions to their fields of specialization.

A good working relationship between supervisors and graduate students is built on common expectations and trust, and incorporates principles of academic integrity, freedom of inquiry, and expression free of any form of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment.

While it is important to acknowledge that graduate students are partners in the university research enterprise, it is equally important to recognize that the supervisor is the senior partner. Both the graduate supervisor and the graduate student have certain rights and responsibilities within the context of the supervisor–student working relationship. The best student outcomes occur when supervisors provide leadership and guidance that is respectful of the student’s personal and professional goals.

Although the graduate student bears the primary responsibility for their program success and intellectual growth, the onus is on the department, program, supervisor, supervisory committee, school/faculty of graduate studies and the university to foster an environment that is supportive of the inherent dignity and value of the supervisor and student and supports student success. The Principles, available in English (.pdf) and French (.pdf), outline the responsibilities and standards of conduct for individuals and groups involved with graduate student supervision in research- oriented programs.

All parties responsible for graduate supervision are expected to adhere to the core values of graduate education, including:

• Integrity: All parties should hold themselves accountable to the highest standards of intellectual and personal integrity.

• Inclusion: Diversity is a driving force for academic excellence, and all parties should commit to fostering inclusive environments that respect diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

• Collaboration: Working collaboratively helps everyone remember that they are united in a common purpose

Supervisor Resources

Resources for Graduate Supervisors

Best Practices

Best Practices in Graduate Education(.pdf)

Best Practices in Graduate Supervision for Faculty (.pdf)

Best Practices in Mentorship (.pdf)

Best Practices for Remote Supervision (.pdf)

Best Practices for Supervisors (.pdf)

Characteristics of an Effective Supervisor (.pdf)

Educator’s Accessibility Toolkit

Graduate Research Studies Guide to Good Practices (.pdf)

Graduate Supervision Support Toolkit: A digital toolkit

Good Practice in Supervision and Mentoring Postgrad Students(.pdf)

Improving Supervisory Practice and Ideas for Reflection

Interview Questions for Prospective Students (.pdf)

Principles of Excellent Graduate Supervision: The UBC Guide (.pdf)

Supervisors of Grad Students with Family Responsibilities

Supportive Listening (.pdf)

Video: Mentorship in Graduate Supervision

Expectations and Responsibilities Checklists

Discussion

Discussing Important Topics and Setting Expectations (.docx)

Discussion Points for a Healthy Working Relationship between Students and Thesis Directors (Supervisors) (.pdf)

Discussion Topics: Productive Supervisory Relationships (.pdf)

Quick Tips for Difficult Conversations (.pdf)

Supervisor Student Discussion Checklist (.pdf)

Western University

University of Toronto

Wilfrid Laurier University

Memorial University

University of Calgary

York University

Council of Ontario Universities

Sherbrooke University

York University

McMaster University

McGill University

Brock University

University of British Columbia

University of Toronto

York University

McGill University

Wilfrid Laurier University

University of Ottawa

York University

York University

Toronto Metropolitan University

Expectations

Checklist of Expectations for Graduate Supervisors and Students (.pdf)

Clarifying Expectations and Ideas for Reflection

Concordia Student and Supervisor Framework (.pdf)

Expectations of Research Supervision: Collaborative Questionnaire (pdf)

Expectations of a Graduate Supervisor

Getting the Supervisory Relationship off to a Good Start (.pdf)

Graduate Supervision Responsibilities and Expectations (.pdf)

Managing Mutual Expectations (.pdf)

Productive Supervisory Relationships: Making Assumptions Explicit (.pdf)

Setting Expectations Guide – Workbook (.pdf)

Strong Start to Supervision Checklist (.pdf)

Student and Supervisor Checklist (.pdf)

Supervisor Checklist (.pdf)

Supervision Guidelines: Checklist for Supervisors

Supervisor and Student Expectations Checklist (.pdf)

Student and Supervisor Responsibilities (.pdf)

Intellectual Property

Copyright and Intellectual Property Checklist (.pdf)

Intellectual Property Awareness Checklist (.pdf)

Intellectual Property Checklist (.pdf)

Intellectual Property Checklist (.pdf)

Intellectual Property Form (.pdf)

Intellectual Property Guidelines for Graduate Students and Supervisors

University of Calgary

McGill University

Concordia University

Brock University

University of Calgary

McMaster University

Carleton University

University of Windsor

Queen’s University

Queen’s University

York University

University of New Brunswick

Ontario Tech University

University of Toronto

Brock University

Brock University

Carleton University

University of Calgary

Brock University

York University

Brock University

University of Toronto

Forms and Templates

Expectations Fillable Tool (.pdf)

Meeting Agenda (.docx) and Meeting Notes (.docx) templates

Plan of Study (.pdf)

Progress Tracking Form (.pdf)

Guides and Guidelines

Accessibility and Inclusion

Accessibility Services Graduate and Professional Program Handbook (.pdf)

Creating Inclusive Campuses (.pdf)

Demystifying Academic Accommodations (.pdf)

Effective Mentorship of Racialized Graduate Students (.pdf)

Faculty Resource Guide: Teaching Students with Disabilities (.pdf)

Student Accessibility Services Faculty Resource Guide (.pdf)

Supervision Guidelines: When a Student May Need Accommodations

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)

AI Graduate Research Considerations (.pdf)

Artificial Intellgence Research Guide

Discussing AI with Graduate Students

Framework for Responsible and Ethical Use of AI (.pdf)

Generative AI: Graduate and Research Supervision

Generative Artificial Intelligence Guide

Guidance on the Appropriate Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Graduate Theses

Guidelines for Teaching with Generative Artificial Intelligence

McMaster University

York University

Toronto Metropolitan University

McGill University

University of Toronto

Conference Board of Canada

University of Toronto

The University of British Columbia

York University

York University

University of Toronto

Ontario Council for Graduate Studies

Mount Royal University

York University

University of Alberta

University of Alberta

University of Saskatchewan

University of Toronto

Concordia University

Indigenous Graduate Student Support

Commentary 100 Ways: Indigenizing and Decolonizing Academic Programs (.pdf)

Decolonizing Academic Integrity: Knowledge Caretaking as Ethical Practice (.pdf)

The Indigenous Knowledge Implementation Packsack: A Handbook for Embedding Indigenous Ways of Knowing in Your Teaching (.pdf)

Indigenous Community Research Partnerships

International Graduate Student Support

Guide to Mentoring Graduate Students Across Cultures (.pdf)

Strong Start to Supervision: An International Graduate Student Companion Guide (.pdf)

The Resource and Information Hub for International Students

Mental Health Supports and Concerns

Conflict Resolution: A Reparative Approach

Graduate Student Concerns (.pdf)

How Are You Feeling? (.pdf)

Mental Health Resources

Navigating Grad Student Concerns (.pdf)

Resolving Conflict

Supporting Students in Distress: A Response Guide for Graduate Supervisors (.pdf)

Supportive Listening (.pdf)

Well-being Through the Supervisory Process: Supervisor Guide for Action (.pdf)

Where Can You Go For Help? (.pdf)

University of Regina

University of Alberta

Negahneewin Research Centre

Group for Ethics Engagement in Indigenous Community Research Partnerships

Western University

York University

University of Toronto

York University

Toronto Metropolitan University

York University

University of Toronto

Queen’s University

McGill University

York University

York University

Simon Fraser University

York University

New to Supervision

New Supervisors Practical Advice and Ideas for Reflection

Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Graduate Student (.pdf)

Strong Start to Supervision Checklist (.pdf)

Supervision for Supervisors

Supervisor Series: Basecamp

Professional Skills Development Tools

Graduate Professional Skills Guide (.pdf)

Individualized Development Plan (IDP)

Supervision

Communication Guidelines

E-thesis Format Specifications (.pdf)

Faculty Guide: Resources for Supervision at McMaster (.pdf)

Feedback and Ideas for Reflection

FGS Graduate Supervision Guidelines (.pdf)

Guidelines for Effective Remote Supervision (.pdf)

Guidelines for Nominal Co-Supervision (.pdf)

Graduate Supervision Guidelines (.pdf)

Graduate Supervision Guidelines (.pdf)

Information for Supervisors Regarding PhD Defences and External Examiners

Masters Supervisor Guidelines (.pdf)

PhD Supervisor Guidelines (.pdf)

Preparing Your Student for Defence (.pdf)

Resolving Conflict in the Graduate Student/Supervisor Relationship (.pdf)

Step-by-Step Guide for Keeping Track of Grad School Activities (.pdf)

Supervision Guidelines: When Problems Arise

McGill University

York University

York University

University of British Columbia

Ontario Tech University

York University

York University

McGill University

Brock University

McMaster University

McGill University

York University

Queen’s University

Carleton University

Toronto Metropolitan University

University of Toronto

University of Waterloo

Concordia University

Concordia University

York University

University of Calgary

University of British Columbia

University of Toronto

Thesis Dissertation Format Guidelines (.pdf)

Tracking Student Progress

Using Zoom for Defences and MRP Presentations (.pdf)

Policies and Principles

Graduate Studies Supervision Policy (.pdf)

Monitoring Progress (.pdf)

Oral Defence Examination Regulation

Policy on Appointment of an External Examiner (.pdf)

Principles of Excellent Graduate Supervision: The UBC Guide (.pdf)

Polices to Guide Graduate Education

Timelines

York University

McGill University

Toronto Metropolitan University

OCAD

Brock University

Nipissing University

University of Northern British Columbia

University of British Columbia

University of Toronto

Please note that timelines may differ between institutions. Use these as a guide to help support your graduate student through personal goals and academic pathways.

Arts Backwards Planning Tool (.pdf) and more faculty examples

Defence Timelines (.pdf)

Doctoral Defence Timelines (.pdf)

Doctoral Timeline Guide (.pdf)

Masters Timeline Guide (.pdf)

Sample Program Timeline Gantt Charts

University of Waterloo

Toronto Metropolitan University

York University

Ontario Tech University

Ontario Tech University

University of Lethbridge

Student Resources

Resources for Graduate Students

Best Practices

Best Practices for Remote Supervision (.pdf)

Best Practices in Graduate Supervision for Students (.pdf)

Interview Questions for Prospective Students (.pdf)

Questions to Ask a Supervisor (.pdf)

Responsible Conduct and Ethics in Research

Resolving Conflict

Checklists and Guidelines

Artificial Intellgence Research Guide

FGS Graduate Supervision Guidelines (.pdf)

Gearing Up for Your Defence (.pdf)

Generative AI Use in Graduate Studies

Gen AI Guidelines for Graduate Students

How to Choose a Supervisor

How to Select a Research Topic

Intellectual Property Awareness Checklist (.pdf)

Intellectual Property Guidelines for Graduate Students and Supervisors

Manuscript Style Thesis Guidelines (.pdf)

Student and Supervisor Checklist (.pdf)

Strong Start to Supervision Checklist (.pdf)

Thesis MRP Dissertation Guidelines (.pdf)

When to Choose a Research Supervisor and a Supervisory Framework

Memorial University

University of Toronto

Brock University

University of Ottawa

Université Laval

McGill University

Mount Royal University

York University

York University

University of Calgary

York University

University of Toronto

Carleton University

University of Calgary

University of Toronto

Toronto Metropolitan University

University of New Brunswick

York University

Toronto Metropolitan University

Université de Montreal

Expectations and Responsibilities

Checklist of Expectations for Graduate Supervisors and Students (.pdf)

Checklist for Masters/PhD Students: Completing Degree Requirements (.pdf)

Concordia Student and Supervisor Framework (.pdf)

Discussing Expectations and Ideas for Reflection

Discussion Points for a Healthy Working Relationship between Students and Thesis Directors (Supervisors) (.pdf)

Expectations of a Graduate Student

Graduate Supervision Guidelines for Students (.pdf)

Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities (.pdf)

Productive Supervisory Relationships: Making Assumptions Explicit (.pdf)

Responsibilities of the Student: Supervision Guidelines

Setting Expectations Guide – Workbook (.pdf)

Student and Supervisor Responsibilities (.pdf)

Supervision for Students

Funding

Watch the video Demystifying Funding: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students

How Funding Works: Research Stream Programs

Grad Student Funding Guidelines Full Time Employment and Vacation (pdf)

Handbooks and Resources

Accessibility for Students

Accessibility Services Graduate and Professional Program Handbook (.pdf)

Communicating with Your Supervisor

Conflict Management Resources

University of Calgary

University of Victoria

Concordia University

McGill University

University of Ottawa

University of Calgary

University of Toronto

Brock University

Queen’s University

University of Toronto

Queen’s University

Brock University

University of British Columbia

University of Waterloo

University of Toronto

Toronto Metropolitan University

Ontario Universities

University of Toronto

McGill University

Brock University

Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution: A Reparative Approach

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resources

Feedback and Self-Assessment and Ideas for Reflection

Indigenous Studies Graduate Student Handbook 2022-23 (.pdf)

Graduates Facing Misconduct (.pdf)

Graduate Handbook

Indigenous Student Resources

Navigating Graduate Student Concerns (.pdf)

Oral Defence Examination Regulation

Staying on Track

Theses Canada

Understanding Intellectual Property

Mental Health Supports

How Are You Feeling? (.pdf)

Graduate Students Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Toolkit (.pdf)

Mental Health Resources for Students

Supportive Listening (.pdf)

Well-being Through the Supervisory Process: Graduate Student Guide for Action (.pdf)

Where Can You Go for Help? (.pdf)

Work-life Balance

New to Graduate Studies

Beyond the Research: Navigating Graduate Supervision as a FirstGeneration LGBTQIA2S+ Student

Watch Finding a Supervisor: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students

Watch How to Write a Statement of Interest

McGill University

York University

Ontario Universities

McGill University

University of Manitoba

Brock University

Athabasca University

Ontario Universities

Queen’s University

Nipissing University

McGill University

Government of Canada

University of Waterloo

York University

Canadian Federation of Students

University of Toronto

York University

Simon Fraser University

York University

McGill University

Memorial University

University of Waterloo

York University

Pathways to Success: Navigating Graduate School and Canadian Culture (.pdf)

Preparing for the Canadian Classroom (.pdf)

10 Things I Wish I had Known Before I Started My PhD blog

When to Choose A Supervisor

York University

York University

University of British Columbia

Université de Montréal

Professional Skills Development for Graduate Students

Developing Transferrable Skills Framework (.pdf)

Grad Pro Skills

Graduate Postdoctoral and Professional Skills (GPPS)

Graduate Professional Development

Individualized Development Plan (IDP)

National Black Graduate Network

Templates and Timelines

McGill University

Concordia University

York University

University of Toronto

York University

National Black Graduate Network

Please note that timelines may differ between institutions. Use these as a guide to help support yourself as a graduate student through personal goals and academic pathways.

Graduate Student Planner (.pdf)

Meeting Agenda Template (.docx)

Meeting Notes Template (.docx)

Plan of Study (.pdf)

Thesis Defence and Documents (.pdf)

Timelines for Milestones

Brock University

York University

York University

Toronto Metropolitan University

Brock University

McGill University

Committee, Program, Faculty and University Resources

Resources for Graduate Supervisory Committees, Graduate Programs, Graduate Faculties, Universities

Best Practices for Graduate Units (.pdf)

Best Practices for Supervisory Committees

Decolonizing Academic Integrity: Knowledge Caretaking as Ethical Practice (.pdf)

Decolonizing Higher Education in Canada (.pdf)

Grad Student Committee Meeting: Quick Reference Guide (pdf)

Policy on Responsibilities of Advisors and Advisory Committees

Responsibilities of the Supervisory Committee

Roles and Responsibilities of Advisory Committees

Roles and Responsibilities of Departments

Supervision

Supervisory Committee and External Examiner Policy

Supervision Guidelines for Programs

Supervision Guidelines for Supervisors

Supervision Guidelines for the Supervisory Committee

Top 10 Best Practices for Graduate Units: Improving Doctoral Program Time to Completion (.pdf)

University of Toronto

University of Calgary

University of Alberta

UNESCO Canadian Commission

University of Saskatchewan

University of Guelph

University of Toronto

University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

University of British Columbia

Nipissing University

McMaster University

McMaster University

McMaster University

University of Toronto

Selected

Selected Canadian Research

A Snapshot of the Experiences of Graduate Students with Disabilities who Identify as Aboriginal (.pdf)

Breaking Grad: Building Resilience Among a Sample of Graduate Students Struggling with Stress and Anxiety via a Peer Coaching Model – An 8-Month Pilot Study (.pdf)

Commentary 100 Ways: Indigenizing and Decolonizing Academic Programs

Conflict Between International Graduate Students and Faculty Supervisors: Toward Effective Conflict Prevention and Management Strategies (.pdf)

Confronting and Reimagining the Orientation of International Graduate Students: A Collaborative Autoethnography Approach (.pdf)

Educational Development for Quality Graduate Supervision (.pdf)

Effective Mentorship of Racialized Graduate Students (EMRGS) (.pdf)

Examining Graduate Student Perspectives on Supervision and Peer Mentoring Across Four Professional Faculties (.pdf)

Exploring Professors’ Experiences Supporting Graduate Student Well-being in Ontario Faculties of Education (.pdf)

National Educational Association of Disabled Students

Western University

University of Alberta

University of Alberta and University of Saskatchewan

Universities of Regina, British Columbia, Fraser Valley, Laval and Ottawa

University of Calgary

University of British Columbia

University of Calgary

Brock University and University of Windsor Graduate Students as Partners in Academic Development: Benefits, Challenges, and Lessons Learned (.pdf)

Great Mentoring in Graduate School: A Guide (.pdf)

How to Support Black Students in the Classroom (.pdf)

“I Am Not Complaining”: Listening to International Students’ Requests and Complaints as Expressions of Diverse Learning Needs (.pdf)

I Never Want to Leave Part of Myself at the Doorstep: Experiences of Canadian LGBTQ2S+ Postdoctoral Scholars in the Sciences. (.pdf)

Making the Invisible Visible: Neurodivergent Students’ Experiences in Canadian Higher Education (.pdf)

University of Calgary

Council of Graduate Schools

McMaster University

University of Calgary and Yorkville University

Mount Saint Vincent University

Conference Board of Canada

Mentor Us: A Formal Mentoring Program for Nurses in Graduate Education (.pdf)

Online supervision in a professional doctorate in education: Cultivating relational trust within learning alliances (.pdf)

Navigating the Hidden Curriculum as a Graduate Student with Disabilities

Professional Learning and Development Framework for Postdoctoral Scholars (.pdf)

Promoting a Healthy Lab Culture at the University of Toronto (.pdf)

Reciprocal Mentorship as Trans-Systemic Knowledge: A Story of an Indigenous Student and a Non-Indigenous Academic Supervisor

Navigating Graduate Research in a Canadian University (.pdf)

Reconciliation in Canadian Indigenous Graduate Education: Report for the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies 2020 (.pdf)

Relationships Matter: Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Students in British Columbia, Canada (.pdf)

Supervising Conflict

The Role of Intercultural Competence on Graduate SupervisorSupervisee Relationship and Well-Being (.pdf)

Thriving on Campus: Promoting the belonging, wellbeing, and academic development of 2SLGBTQ+ university students throughout Ontario

Understanding Accessibility in Graduate Education for Students with Disabilities in Canada: Final Report of The National Graduate Experience Taskforce (.pdf)

University of Alberta

University of Calgary

OISE University of Toronto

University of Calgary

University of Toronto

Melanie Braith, Mavis Reimer, and Jo-ann Archibald Q’um Q’um Xiiem

Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia

Heather McGhee Peggs

University of Calgary

Wilfrid Laurier University, McGill University and Université Laval

The National Educational Association Of Disabled Students

Christine Webster, Kathy Bishop

Contacts in Graduate Studies

Contacts

For more information about graduate supervision best practices and support resources or to contribute your resource(s) to this guide, please reach out to the people below.

Ontario

Tracy Bhoola

*Guide Author tbhoola@yorku.ca Manager Graduate Supervision Support Hub

Stacia Heaton

*Guide Author sheaton@brocku.ca Manager Graduate Student Success

Andrea Cole coleand@mcmaster.ca Coordinator, Recruitment, Retention and Diversity

Aziza Kajan cgms@utoronto.ca

Director, Centre for Graduate Mentorship & Supervision

Outside of Ontario

Megan Hebert hebertm@uleth.ca

Emily Pitcher emily.pitcher@ubc.ca

Manager, Graduate Student Engagement

Associate Director of Student Academic Support

Renee Polziehn rpolzieh@ualberta.ca Director of Professional Development

Ross Swanson ross.swanson@mcgill.ca Academic Projects Manager

Krystal Zahara krystalz@athabascau.ca Coordinator, Graduate Thesis and Academic Records

York University | Faculty of Graduate Studies

Brock University | Faculty of Graduate Studies

McMaster University | School of Graduate Studies

University of Toronto | School of Graduate Studies

University of Lethbridge | Faculty of Graduate Studies

University of British Columbia | Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

University of Alberta | Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

McGill University | Faculty of Graduate Studies

Athabasca University | Graduate Studies